The Louisiana Supreme Court has agreed to reconsider its ruling that overturned a state law allowing adult victims of childhood sexual abuse to file damage lawsuits. The law, passed in 2021 and amended in 2022, gave victims of past abuse the opportunity to file lawsuits even if the deadlines had expired. The law, also known as a “look back” law, was supported by Rep. Jason Hughes, who highlighted research showing that the average age for child sex abuse victims to report crimes is 52. The court’s 4-3 ruling in March stated that the law conflicted with due process rights in the state constitution, but a rehearing has been granted with two justices changing their stance.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill praised the decision to reconsider the law, stating that it passed unanimously through the State Legislature and should be upheld. The backdrop of this decision is the ongoing scandal within the Catholic Church, with a case filed against the Catholic Diocese of Lafayette by plaintiffs who were molested by a priest in the 1970s when they were between 8 and 14 years old. The rehearing comes in the wake of a recent search warrant carried out by Louisiana State Police at the Archdiocese of New Orleans, seeking records related to clergy sexual abuse.
The Supreme Court’s order did not specify a new court date for arguments on the look back law, but the parties involved have until May 20 to file briefs. The justices who granted the rehearing did not provide reasons for their decision, although Chief Justice John Weimer expressed a desire for a hearing to be held sooner. Justice Hughes, in a dissent, criticized the decision, arguing that time limits on legal claims have been a fundamental aspect of justice for centuries. He emphasized the importance of equal protection under the law and cautioned against special interest exceptions.
The reconsideration of the look back law in Louisiana reflects a broader national conversation about accountability and justice for victims of childhood sexual abuse. With the Catholic Church facing continued scrutiny and legal challenges related to past abuses, the courts play a crucial role in determining the legal remedies available to survivors. The outcome of the rehearing could have significant implications for similar laws in other states and for efforts to hold institutions accountable for their handling of cases of sexual abuse.
Supporters of the look back law argue that it is a necessary step in providing justice to survivors who were previously unable to seek legal recourse due to expired deadlines. By extending the window for filing lawsuits, the law acknowledges the complexities of trauma and the difficulties victims face in coming forward. Opponents, however, raise concerns about due process rights and the potential for abuse of such laws. The outcome of the rehearing will shape the legal landscape for survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Louisiana and could set a precedent for similar cases nationwide.
